PDF 
Views 
Share
Identification of Gut Microbes-related Molecular Subtypes and Their Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer
CC BY 4.0 · Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol 2024; 45(06): 557-558
DOI: DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787302
Dear Editor,
We have taken great interest in reading an original article entitled “Identification of gut microbes-related molecular subtypes and their biomarkers in colorectal cancer” published in Aging in 2023.[1]
The authors investigated the intricate relationship between colorectal cancer (CRC) and the gut microbiome. The multifactorial disruptions contributing to CRC were explored, including genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors such as diet, physical activity, and smoking ([Fig. 1]). The study conducted a complete analysis, identifying gut microbes-related genes (GMRGs) and developing a new CRC subtype. The authors aimed to find differences in survival prognosis, function of cancer cells, immune infiltration, and immunotherapy efficacy across various CRC subtypes. The ultimate goal was to provide a deeper understanding of CRC focusing on molecular biology, immunology, drug sensitivity, survival prognosis, and disease dynamics, with the aim of enhancing treatment planning and improved patient outcomes.[2] [3]
| Fig 1 Overview of the implications of gut bacteria in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. A shift from the normal healthy cells to colorectal cancer cells is shown and other factors effecting the shift are also depicted.
It was noted in the results that the study identified 164 GMRGs and developed a new subtype of CRC which exhibited significant differences compared with other CRC subtypes. Nine genes among the GMRGs showed significant associations with the prognosis of CRC patients. Further analysis led to the identification of two key GMRBs (interleukin-7 and BCL10) associated with clinical outcomes. The research offered new perspectives on CRC subtypes and potential biomarkers, highlighting the gut microbiome's impact on cancer progression and treatment responses. The potential implications for patient risk categorization and immunotherapy, present a promising path for further research.[1]
While the CRC and gut microbiome study provides valuable perceptions, potential limitations include support on open data sources, a lack of complete experimental evidence, and a need for further mechanistic understanding. External validation, particularly with additional data sets or clinical studies, is essential to strengthen the proposed molecular subtypes and biomarkers. The study's clinical implications should be carefully considered, and addressing ethical considerations and improving communication for broader understanding would enhance its overall impact.
Patient Consent
None
Ethical Approval
This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.
Publication History
Article published online:
04 June 2024
© 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
A-12, 2nd Floor, Sector 2, Noida-201301 UP, India
- The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Colorectal CancerGrace Y. Chen, Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery, 2018
- The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Colorectal CancerGrace Y. Chen, Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery, 2018
- The Influence of the Microbiome on Metastatic Colorectal CancerSamuel Cass, Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery
- Gut microbiome development along the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequenceA Stadlmayr, Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, 2015
- The Role of the Intestinal Microbiota in the Carcinogenesis of Colorectal CancerI Karasev, Endoscopy, 2021
- The microbiota in colorectal cancerGemma Alderton, Science, 2019
- Colorectal microbiota after removal of colorectal cancerPeter Cronin, NAR Cancer, 2022
- Construction of a gut microbiota-gene-pathway network to reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying right- and left-sided colorectal cancerKunli Du, FEMS Microbiology Letters, 2021
- Technology Feature | Can patients' gut microbes help fight cancer?Kendall Powell, Science, 2020
- On the road to colorectal cancer development: crosstalk between the gut microbiota, metabolic reprogramming, and epigenetic modificationsAnqi Chen, Carcinogenesis
Dear Editor,
We have taken great interest in reading an original article entitled “Identification of gut microbes-related molecular subtypes and their biomarkers in colorectal cancer” published in Aging in 2023.[1]
The authors investigated the intricate relationship between colorectal cancer (CRC) and the gut microbiome. The multifactorial disruptions contributing to CRC were explored, including genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors such as diet, physical activity, and smoking ([Fig. 1]). The study conducted a complete analysis, identifying gut microbes-related genes (GMRGs) and developing a new CRC subtype. The authors aimed to find differences in survival prognosis, function of cancer cells, immune infiltration, and immunotherapy efficacy across various CRC subtypes. The ultimate goal was to provide a deeper understanding of CRC focusing on molecular biology, immunology, drug sensitivity, survival prognosis, and disease dynamics, with the aim of enhancing treatment planning and improved patient outcomes.[2] [3]
| Fig 1 Overview of the implications of gut bacteria in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. A shift from the normal healthy cells to colorectal cancer cells is shown and other factors effecting the shift are also depicted.
It was noted in the results that the study identified 164 GMRGs and developed a new subtype of CRC which exhibited significant differences compared with other CRC subtypes. Nine genes among the GMRGs showed significant associations with the prognosis of CRC patients. Further analysis led to the identification of two key GMRBs (interleukin-7 and BCL10) associated with clinical outcomes. The research offered new perspectives on CRC subtypes and potential biomarkers, highlighting the gut microbiome's impact on cancer progression and treatment responses. The potential implications for patient risk categorization and immunotherapy, present a promising path for further research.[1]
While the CRC and gut microbiome study provides valuable perceptions, potential limitations include support on open data sources, a lack of complete experimental evidence, and a need for further mechanistic understanding. External validation, particularly with additional data sets or clinical studies, is essential to strengthen the proposed molecular subtypes and biomarkers. The study's clinical implications should be carefully considered, and addressing ethical considerations and improving communication for broader understanding would enhance its overall impact.
Conflict of Interest
None declared.
Patient Consent
None
Ethical Approval
This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.
References
- Liu X, Zhang G, Li S, Liu Y, Ma K, Wang L. Identification of gut microbes-related molecular subtypes and their biomarkers in colorectal cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16 (03) 2249-2272
- Kim J, Lee HK. Potential role of the gut microbiome in colorectal cancer progression. Front Immunol 2022; 12: 807648
- Pandey H, Tang DWT, Wong SH, Lal D. Gut microbiota in colorectal cancer: biological role and therapeutic opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15 (03) 866
Address for correspondence
- Letter to the Editor : Identification of Gut Microbes-related Molecular Subtypes and Their Biomarkers in Colorectal CancerNaji Naseef Pathoor, Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology
- Identification of Basement Membrane Genes and Related Molecular Subtypes in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver DiseaseZhaoxiang Wang, Hormone and Metabolic Research
- The Molecular Genetics of Colorectal Cancer, Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndromes, and Early-Onset Colorectal CancerJoceline V. Vu, Digestive Disease Interventions
- Identification of Potential Urinary Protein Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Using a Proteomic ApproachBruno Augusto Alves Martins, Journal of Coloproctology, 2023
- The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Colorectal CancerGrace Y. Chen, Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery, 2018
- Identification of collagen subtypes of gastric cancer for distinguishing patient prognosis and therapeutic responseDi Wang, Cancer Innovation, 2024
- Identifying miRNA Biomarkers and Predicted Targets Associated with Venous Thromboembolism in Colorectal Cancer PatientsKim, Blood, 2019
- Identification of Initiating Trunk Mutations and Distinct Molecular Subtypes: An Interim Analysis of the Mmrf Commpass StudyKeats, Blood, 2015
- Effect of atmospheric CO2 enrichment on soil microbes and related factorsLI Yang, Chinese Journal of Ecology
- Composition and Functional Capacity of Gut Microbes are Associated with Arterial Stiffness: A Prospective StudyJing Li, Cardiology Discovery, 202
Publication History
Article published online:
04 June 2024
© 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
A-12, 2nd Floor, Sector 2, Noida-201301 UP, India
| Fig 1 Overview of the implications of gut bacteria in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. A shift from the normal healthy cells to colorectal cancer cells is shown and other factors effecting the shift are also depicted.
References
- Liu X, Zhang G, Li S, Liu Y, Ma K, Wang L. Identification of gut microbes-related molecular subtypes and their biomarkers in colorectal cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16 (03) 2249-2272
- Kim J, Lee HK. Potential role of the gut microbiome in colorectal cancer progression. Front Immunol 2022; 12: 807648
- Pandey H, Tang DWT, Wong SH, Lal D. Gut microbiota in colorectal cancer: biological role and therapeutic opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15 (03) 866